Review: The Dream Thieves

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Overall, the second installment of this series did not disappoint. I feel like there was a lot more character development in this one, with Ronan, Gansey, and Adam having more individual plotlines that really delved deeper into their personalities and gave them more substance. The main plotline was interesting (Who wouldn't want to be able to take things from dreams?) but didn't advance the plot thread from the first novel too much, until the very end, and was at times a bit slow. I'm excited to see where Stiefvater takes the story in the next book.

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with magic

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Review: Origin

Origin by Dan Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another entertaining installment in the adventures of Robert Langdon. I was hooked from the very beginning and was thoroughly engrossed and entertained throughout. There were plenty of twists and surprises, just like they always are. Even after five books, I still find the character of Robert Langdon interesting and I appreciate Brown's imagination and creative storytelling. This story's centering on the relationship between science, religion, and technology is thought-provoking and leads to an ending that I did not see coming. I think my jaw may have fallen open when I reached it. If you are a fan of the series and/or you are looking for a suspenseful escape from reality, this one may be the book for you.

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Review: The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a strange novel. It's like Mad Men meets X-Files meets something else entirely. It definitely takes a suspension of reality to read this book, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This novel has a lot of moving parts and it definitely reads like it was written for a film adaptation. Each chapter is written from the perspective of a different character with their own storyline which is artfully woven together with the others.

The characters are a motley crew, each an outcast in their own way, who are struggling to find their place or identity. The love story between Elisa and the amphibious man echoes the epic romances of star-crossed lovers or stories like Beauty and the Beast where one lover has to see beyond the physical to the soul beneath.

I'm curious to see the film adaptation and how the novel translates, especially since the novel had a screenplay-like feel to it. Overall, I like this novel.

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Review: Alias Grace

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting one. Atwood really is a literary genius. Her ability to craft a story and throw in unexpected twists is quite remarkable. I did not learn until reading the book's afterword that this story is actually based on a real criminal case. In light of that information, I think the story takes on a whole new dynamic. Atwood fills in the holes in the historical narrative in a way that is believable and realistic. Grace's story is tragic and she is a victim of circumstance. The characters are interesting, Atwood's observations are sharp, and the plot held my attention throughout. This one is definitely worth a read.

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Review: A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I didn't care for this book; however, I cannot deny that it has merit. The language in the book takes some getting used to, as it is written in a very strange slang. I almost gave up after the first few chapters as I wasn't sure I was going to be able to even understand it, but once I got used to the narrator's language, I was able to get the gist and finish the book.

Alex, the main character and narrator, is an awful person who revels in violence. The book, itself, is full of long descriptions of violent acts perpetrated by Alex and his friends. As a dystopian novel, it seems to me to be a commentary on the government and the idea of free will. Alex, who's free will seems to be bent towards destruction, routinely seeks out acts of violence which he finds exciting. He continues to engage in these acts until he is finally caught after murdering an old woman and sent to prison. The government then attempts to cure Alex of his violence by brainwashing him and essentially removing his free will by causing him to become sick whenever he thinks about committing an act of violence. This eventually leads Alex to attempt to kill himself, presumably because a life without free will isn't a life worth living. Alex doesn't die but the injuries from his suicide attempt reverse the effects of the government's brainwashing and Alex once again returns to a life of crime and violence. Until one day, when Alex wakes up and realizes that the violence no longer causes the excitement it once did. He has in essence, gotten too old to act that way.

Alex is not a redeemable character. He doesn't stop his violent ways out of remorse, but rather because he feels like he is too old to engage in these violent acts and they no longer bring him the sense of excitement that they once did. While I fully believe that the government needs to set rules for society, I do not agree that the government should be brainwashing people and taking away their free will, even if it means preventing violence. Our free will is what makes us human and separates us from other animals who are ruled by instinct. However, I will never understand the need to be violent just to be violent. I was not excited like Alex was when reading about his heinous crimes, I was horrified, even more so when he expressed no hesitation or remorse.

I think Burgess is an intriguing writer and the book has literary merit, but it's not a book that I want to read over and over. I'm glad I read it and I found it interesting but twisted, but it won't go down on my lists of must-reads or favorite titles.

2016 Reading Challenge: A satirical book

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Review: Vulgar Favours: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Vulgar Favours: The Assassination of Gianni Versace by Maureen Orth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for a good crime drama and if it's a true story, then I'm even more intrigued, which probably makes me sound crazy, right? I just find people like Andrew Cunanan fascinating. How is it that someone who is intelligent and charismatic can also be so evil? Why do some people choose to act on their baser instincts and seemingly feel no remorse? Are people like Andrew Cunanan born or created? It's endlessly fascinating how the human mind works. I, of course, have been watching the mini-series based on the book and wanted to read the inspiration behind it.

The title of this book is a little misleading. The book really isn't about the assassination of Gianni Versace, although this is the murder that eventually leads to Andrew's demise. It's really about Andrew's life and all of the events leading up to his decision to kill one of the world's most famous designers. It was clearly written at a different time in history, as many of the views expressed and references made to gay culture and homosexuality are outdated. However, it does reflect the time in which these murders happened.

Overall, I found the book to be interesting and sensational. It was written to keep the reader's attention, like a crime drama, rather than a documentary laying out just the facts. I am amazed that Andrew was able to evade the police and FBI for as long as he did and it is clear that he was a very dynamic and multifaceted person. It was an interesting read.

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Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Simon was endearing and the narrative was funny, smart, and relevant. It was a great escape and at the end, I was left with a huge smile. It's a sweet story and I'm excited to see the film adaptation.

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